Bulldog Football Falls to Strong Tiger Offense

by Clyde Ericson

The Concordia football team (4-3) traveled to Mitchell, South Dakota, on Oct. 15 to play the Dakota Wesleyan University Tigers (5-2), but was defeated in the face of Dakota Wesleyan’s offense led by quarterback Dillon Turner. The Tigers put up 537 total yards of offense compared to Concordia’s 339 total yards of offense, and Concordia headed home with a 52-30 defeat.

Junior wide receiver Jared Garcia made a one-handed touchdown grab from 33 yards out to tie the game 7-7 in the first quarter. The highlight was followed by two consecutive scores by Dakota Wesleyan. Although Concordia scored another field goal, by halftime the Bulldogs were down 35-10.

Concordia fought back in the second half with a quick touchdown grab from sophomore quarterback Riley Wiltfong to Garcia. Then, senior running back Bryce Collins punched in a three-yard touchdown run to make the score 35-23. Dakota Wesleyan quarterback fired back with his fifth touchdown pass of the game. Wiltfong threw an interception that was returned for 60 yards and a touchdown which put Concordia out of contention. Garcia made his third touchdown grab in the fourth quarter. Dakota Wesleyan kicked in a field goal to make the final score 52-30.

Collins ran for 97 yards and made one touchdown. He passed Gary Seevers to make Collins second in all-time rushing yards for a career. Garcia had 101 yards receiving including three touchdown grabs. Wiltfong had 137 yards through the air along with three touchdown passes and one interception.

Concordia will be at home at 1 p.m. next Saturday, Oct. 22 as the Bulldogs look to improve their conference record (2-3) against Midland (6-2,3-2 GPAC). Last year, Concordia made a comeback win after being down 35-14 and rallied back to win in overtime (41-38).